Peppermint Oil for Skin
When you think about peppermint, you likely think about gum, mints or mouthwash that keep your breath smelling fresh. However, you can also use peppermint oil for skin benefits. There are also peppermint tea benefits skin enthusiasts can take advantage of as well.
While peppermint oil can be beneficial, there are some important things to keep in mind to make sure you’re using this natural ingredient safely.
What is Peppermint Oil?
Peppermint oil is considered an essential oil and comes from the peppermint plant. Peppermint is actually a mix of the spearmint and watermint plants, and the oil that is extracted from the leaves has a distinct scent that is easily recognizable. It is beneficial to use peppermint oil for skin, but the oil is also included in several health products, cosmetic items, and culinary ingredients.
Using Peppermint Oil On the Skin
Peppermint oil has several unique properties that make it beneficial for the skin. The oil is antibacterial and can get rid of some impurities on the skin. It’s not clear how much peppermint oil one should use for topical benefits, the oil is a healthy choice for skin that is prone to breakouts.
This essential oil is also ideal for balancing oil production on the skin. Peppermint works to keep excess oil from developing on the skin’s surface. The oil is too strong to apply to your face without a carrier oil, but you can use it regularly to fight acne. Peppermint oil can also be added to hair serums and shampoo to get rid of dandruff.
You can also use peppermint oil to get rid of inflammation and itching. Peppermint has a soothing effect on the skin and can benefit people who have rosacea or eczema. You can apply the oil to insect bites as well to reduce irritation, or add peppermint oil to a cold or hot compress to get rid of inflammation from muscle pain.
If you’re looking for a natural remedy for headaches, try adding peppermint oil to your regiment. Peppermint essential oil is high in menthol which is why the oil smells so cool and refreshing. You can use a mixture of peppermint oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your temples or place a drop or two of the oil on a compress to relief headache-related pain and pressure.
If you suffer from nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, or digestive issues, you can use peppermint oil for relief from these symptoms. Peppermint oil is a natural treatment for irritable bowl syndrome, which is why drinking peppermint tea before or after a meal can be helpful. Inhaling the oil and using the oil as a skin moisturizer can settle the stomach and make it easier to digest certain foods.
Many people are looking for natural remedies for stress and anxiety, and peppermint oil is a wonderful solution for managing these conditions. Adding peppermint oil to a diffuser or using the oil in beauty products helps to calm the mind and body and promote a sense of relaxation.
Peppermit oil is antiviral as well. The oil naturally fights bacteria which makes it effective against herpes. You can apply peppermint oil to cold sores or drink peppermint tea to rid your body of toxins.
Side Effects
Peppermint oil can calm skin irritation, but too much of the oil can lead to redness and itchy skin. You should also make sure you don’t have an allergy to peppermint so you can avoid using the oil if necessary. Test a small amount of the oil on your skin and watch for any adverse reactions before using peppermint essential oil internally or topically.
How to Use Peppermint Oil
First, make sure that you’re not applying pure peppermint oil to cut, scraped, or broken skin. Dilute the oil with jojoba or olive oil before applying it to the skin. Dab the oil mixture onto insect bites using a cotton ball or gently pat the oil onto the skin to treat sunburn. You can also add a few drops to your favorite shampoo to get rid of dry scalp and prevent dandruff. Adding a drop of peppermint essential oil onto pimples and breakouts can also help remove bacteria and clear the skin. If you are deficient in the G6PD enzyme, you likely have an intolerance to peppermint oil and should avoid using it.
Remember that peppermint essential oil should not be ingested. Peppermint leaves, on the other hand, are safe to eat. You can also experience the benefits of peppermint by drinking the tea made from the leaves.
FAQ
Peppermint oil can be used to brighten the skin but stimulating circulation and making the skin appear healthier and more youthful.
Peppermint oil for skin should be a applied with a carrier oil. Olive oil is an ideal carrier oil for peppermint essential oil can nourish the skin. Peppermint oil should always be combined with a carrier oil — the oil is too harsh to apply to the skin on its own.
You can keep diluted peppermint oil on your skin for a couples of days at a time. If you’re using peppermint oil benefits for skin or to reduce inflammation, you can apply the oil to your skin ever 2-3 days. You can apply the oil once or twice a week if you have sensitive skin.
